collageLooking for cheap law schools in Texas? Texas has some of the best public and private law schools in the country who offer world-class education without having to break the bank.
There are 10 Texas law schools that have been approved by the American Bar Association (ABA) and/or are currently active in the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), U.S. Department of Education. In this guide, we explore all you need to know about Cheapest Law Schools In Texas.
Most of these universities are located in major cities throughout the state, including Dallas (3), Houston (2), Austin (2), and San Antonio (1). A few of them offer online programs as well as on-campus classes for those who prefer an alternative learning environment.
The average tuition fee for a full-time student at one of these law schools is $36,000 per year, with some offering scholarships and other forms of financial aid to help students pay less or nothing at all!
Texas is a large state with a lot of people and a lot of law schools. The state’s 10 active law schools are spread across the state, so you can find one close to you.
While there are many factors that go into choosing which law school is right for you, cost is one of the biggest factors. Law school can be expensive no matter where you attend, but some schools are more affordable than others.
We created this list of the cheapest law schools in Texas by looking at tuition costs alone and ranking them according to their lowest tuition rate for full-time residents during the 2019-2020 academic year.
There are many other factors that go into choosing which school is best suited for you, including location, class size, and campus life. We recommend checking out our complete list of law schools in Texas as well as our articles on how much does it cost to go to law school?
Collegelearners will provide you with all the relevant information you are looking for on how many years is law school, best law schools in texas, unt law school admissions, and so much more.
Texas Law Schools Statistics
The average tuition & fees of 10 Texas law schools are $32,383 for state residents and $37,995 for out-of-state students for academic year 2020-2021. The average GPA of the schools is 3.43 and the average LSAT score is 156. The average acceptance rate is 38.07%.
- Baylor Law School has the highest tuition & fees of $58,273 and UNT Dallas College of Law has the lowest tuition & fees of $1,731.
- University of Texas School of Law has the highest LSAT score of 168 and Thurgood Marshall School of Law has the lowest score of 145.
- University of Texas School of Law has the highest GPA of 3.72 and Thurgood Marshall School of Law has the lowest GPA of 3.07.
- University of Texas School of Law has the tightest (lowest) acceptance rate of 17.53% and St. Mary’s University School of Law has the lowest rate of 54.01%.
- South Texas College of Law has the most enrolled first-year students of 350 and UNT Dallas College of Law has the least enrolled students of 131.
cheapest law schools in texas
Baylor Law School
Baylor Law School is located in Waco, TX, founded in 1845 and it has total 479 law school students. The 2021 law school tuition & fees at Baylor Law School is $58,273. The average GPA of the enrolled students is 3.6 and the average LSAT score is 160. The acceptance rate of Baylor Law School is 35.45% where 959 were admitted out of 2,705 applicants.
South Texas College of Law
South Texas College of Law is located in Houston, TX, founded in 1923 and it has total 975 law school students. The 2021 law school tuition & fees at South Texas College of Law is $34,050. The average GPA of the enrolled students is 3.15 and the average LSAT score is 152. The acceptance rate of South Texas College of Law is 51.52% where 811 were admitted out of 1,574 applicants.
Dedman School of Law
Dedman School of Law (part of Southern Methodist University) is located in Dallas, TX, founded in 1911 and it has total 766 law school students. The 2021 law school tuition & fees at Dedman School of Law is $55,764. The average GPA of the enrolled students is 3.7 and the average LSAT score is 161. The acceptance rate of Dedman School of Law is 47.41% where 833 were admitted out of 1,757 applicants.
St. Mary’s University School of Law
St. Mary’s University School of Law is located in San Antonio, TX, founded in 1927 and it has total 811 law school students. The 2021 law school tuition & fees at St. Mary’s University School of Law is $38,850. The average GPA of the enrolled students is 3.24 and the average LSAT score is 151. The acceptance rate of St. Mary’s University School of Law is 54.01% where 741 were admitted out of 1,372 applicants.
Texas A&M University School of Law
Texas A&M University School of Law is located in College Station, TX, founded in 1992 and it has total 655 law school students. The 2021 law school tuition & fees at Texas A&M University School of Law is $31,254 for Texas and $39,251 for out-of-state students. The average GPA of the enrolled students is 3.62 and the average LSAT score is 159. The acceptance rate of Texas A&M University School of Law is 28.73% where 655 were admitted out of 2,280 applicants.
Thurgood Marshall School of Law
Thurgood Marshall School of Law (part of Texas Southern University) is located in Houston, TX, founded in 1947 and it has total 591 law school students. The 2021 law school tuition & fees at Thurgood Marshall School of Law is $20,418 for Texas and $27,828 for out-of-state students. The average GPA of the enrolled students is 3.07 and the average LSAT score is 145. The acceptance rate of Thurgood Marshall School of Law is 28.17% where 406 were admitted out of 1,441 applicants.
Texas Tech University School of Law
Texas Tech University School of Law is located in Lubbock, TX, founded in 1967 and it has total 404 law school students. The 2021 law school tuition & fees at Texas Tech University School of Law is $23,154 for Texas and $34,704 for out-of-state students. The average GPA of the enrolled students is 3.42 and the average LSAT score is 155. The acceptance rate of Texas Tech University School of Law is 44.22% where 505 were admitted out of 1,142 applicants.
The Texas legal profession is a prestigious one, and it’s no surprise that any aspiring lawyer would want to take the first step towards their dream by attending law school in their home state. However, with so many law schools to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide which one is right for you.
To help you narrow down your search, we’ve compiled this list of the cheapest law schools in Texas. These are all ABA-approved institutions that are either active or inactive in IPEDS data collection.
how many years is law school
The practice of law in the United States has a proud history, integral to the founding of the nation and maintaining the rule of law. Many lawyers and law students from around the world come to study or practice law in the United States.
In this Study Law guide, we describe the overall legal system in the USA, as well as provide practical guidance for foreign education lawyers and international students that want to study law or practice law in the USA.
Studying law can open many doors for you. Law gives you the necessary skills to practice as an attorney or develop a career in another field such as politics, diplomacy, economics, business, or education. There are numerous rewards in studying law, but it is a solitary, intimidating, and difficult process, so it is important to know for sure that studying law is the right choice for you.
As an international student, you should be aware that typically a J.D. (Juris Doctor) from a US law school will not always prepare you to practice law in your home country, as US law schools teach the common law based on the British system. However, there are law firms around the globe that hire lawyers with a J.D. Degree. Additionally, schools in Louisiana do teach the Civil Code, which may be applicable in some countries
Foreign students have traditionally shown a greater interest in graduate level law degrees such as the LLM, MCL, or MCJ. Studying a graduate law degree in English from in a US institution generally enhances your job opportunities upon returning to your home country.
Law School in the USA
Studying law in the United States is very different from studying law in many other countries. In various countries, students begin their law studies immediately following graduation from high school or secondary school. Most universities in other countries require only a high school diploma or the equivalent to admit students to their law faculties. In the US, however, law is a professional academic field, the equivalent of a graduate degree in other parts of the world.
Law schools in the US are part of public or private universities that grant Juris Doctor (J.D.) degrees. The J.D. program typically lasts three years for full-time students and four years for part-time students. The first year of law school is generally considered to be the most difficult because of the core classes, exams, and the Socrates method.
Note: The Socrates method is a technique used in most law school classes in which the professor cold calls on students to state a case or respond to a case-based question. This intimidates many students, particularly international students who might be afraid to speak up in class, but most adapt to the teaching style quickly.
If you need additional funding to study law, explore financial resource options like scholarships and loans.
What to Expect When Studying Law
As a first-year (1L) law student in the US, you will most likely take courses in legal writing, contracts, torts, criminal law, and constitutional law, among other courses.
As a second-year student (2L) you are likely to focus on other activities such as Law Review, Moot Court, and other extra-curricular activities that offer a lot of practice. Because most 2L students need to start looking for legal internships between their second and third years, it is extremely important that they get as much practical experience as they can during their second year. Many of these internships will lead to full-time job opportunities following graduation.
As a third-year student (3L), you will likely take electives such as international law, immigration law, anti-trust law, or intellectual Property Law. Third-year students generally focus most of their time on finding employment and studying for the bar exam.
Note: The bar exam is a test meant to determine whether a candidate is qualified to practice law in their jurisdiction. If you decide to practice law in a different country or state you might be required to take a second bar exam to become a dual-qualified lawyer.
Choosing a Law School
Choosing the right law school in the US is an important process. It is important to find a school that suits you. Look at school rankings, but also remember to visit university campuses, if possible. Talk to current students and graduates, and learn as much as you can about the school. It is generally recommended that you attend law school in the general area where you intend to practice. For more information, we’ve put together a guide for choosing the right law school for you.
Requirements for Application
To apply for law school in the US, you will need:
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent (4-year university degree) in any subject.
- To register for the Credential Assembly Service (CAS) – nearly all ABA-approved law schools (and some non-ABA-approved schools) require that their applicants register for and complete their applications through the CAS.
- Your LSAT scores
- Relevant teacher or professional recommendations
- Your TOEFL score if English is not your native language
- Financial documents showing proof of funds for the academic year (only if you are applying for an F1 visa).
best law schools in texas
So you’re an ambitious student looking to jumpstart your career in law, and you want to find the right college? If so, you have come to the right place. Choosing the right law school is foundational to beginning your career. You want a university that will push your limits as a student and set you up for success after school, as well. The bar examination is no joke, and getting a job in the field of law sometimes feels like an even tougher task.
But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. First of all, you need to figure out which law school you are planning on attending.
There are many options in the state of Texas. We have narrowed it down to the top 7 law schools in Texas to assist you in finding the right school:
- University of Texas-Austin
- Southern Methodist University
- University of Houston
- Baylor University
- Texas A&M University
- Texas Tech University
- Texas Southern University
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Each of these selections earned its spot because the law school provides a top of the line education. They’re all good schools and All-American Bar Association (ABA)-accredited. Learn more about each top-ranked Texas law school:
University of Texas Austin
- S. News Ranking: 15th
- Bar Passage Rates: 94%
- Acceptance Rate: 22%
- Average LSAT Score: 167
- Average GPA: 73
The University of Texas-Austin has one of the best law programs in the United States. They boast a bar passage rate of almost 95%. The education pushes you and requires you to put forth your best effort.
The University of Texas-Austin School of Law is also not an easy program to gain admittance. The university only accepts 22% of its applications. You will want to focus on your grades and SAT performance. You should also do some external research to figure out what is required for the application and make sure you submit before the annual deadline.
Southern Methodist University
- S. News Ranking: 45th
- Bar Passage Rate:12%
- Acceptance Rate: 42%
- Average LSAT Score: 161
- Average GPA: 63
A private university with an incredible staff and campus, Southern Methodist University takes the second spot on our list.
The education is extremely refined and specific at this college. The professors are amicable and push students to perform their best. The law school has a staggering 94% bar passage rate, which is a good indication of its thorough preparation for the exam.
The Southern Methodist University School of Law is also not extremely selective. 42% of applicants get into this stellar program.
SMU also has some pretty incredible sports teams that will be around when you are looking for something to do in your free time. We know you won’t have much of it, but it’s still something to consider.
University of Houston
- S. News Ranking: 50th
- Bar Passage Rate:19%
- Acceptance Rate: 39%
- Average LSAT Score: 159
- Average GPA: 54
The University of Houston has been one of the best law schools in the United States for many years. It is ranked number 50 by U.S. News & World Report. 63% of its graduating class obtained full-time, long-term jobs that were in the field of law.
The school has also been featured on the “Super Lawyers” list and has been covered by the National Law Journal more than once.
If you choose the University of Houston School of Law, you can expect an electric and demanding, yet fulfilling environment.
The school is moderately difficult to get into but does feature a 76% bar passage rate if you are one of the lucky few to gain admittance. There are less than 800 students in the program, which provides a low student to faculty ratio.
Baylor University
- S. News Ranking: 55th
- Bar Passage Rate:71%
- Acceptance Rate: 30%
- Average LSAT Score: 160
- Average GPA: 53
Baylor University offers a unique study experience not commonly found at other schools, even in Texas. Baylor University operates on a quarter system rather than a semester structure.
Therefore, a student can start classes in spring, summer, or fall quarter. Then, in the winter quarter, students can focus on the four graduating classes required before receiving your diploma.
Another bonus of the law school is the amazing campus at Baylor University. The gorgeous campus has plenty of things to do, and is reasonably affordable for a private school.
Texas A&M University
- S. News Ranking: 111th
- Bar Passage Rate:4%
- Acceptance Rate: 20%
- Average LSAT Score: 156
- Average GPA: 38
One of the biggest focuses of Texas A&M University and its School of Law is the hands-on approach. Students are encouraged to get real world experience to prepare for a career in law.
Programs like Moot Court, Mock Trial, and Alternative Dispute Resolution help students get a feel for what they will be dealing with in real-world situations.
The school offers in-state tuition assistance, and it averages around $32,000 in tuition and fees. It is not hard to see why Texas A&M University ranks among the best law schools in the state. It ranks 111th by U.S. News & World Report and reports an 81% passage rate on the bar exam.
Texas Tech University
- S. News Ranking: 123rd
- Bar Passage Rate: 87.12%
- Acceptance Rate: 55%
- Average LSAT Score: 154
- Average GPA: 39
Texas Tech University has a selective law school that only accepts 55% of its applicants. While it is not ranked as high as some other law schools in Texas, the program still performs very well.
If you choose Texas Tech University, you aren’t making a mistake. The law school is not as expensive as some of the other programs on the list. The atmosphere of the university is also top-notch.
Additionally, residents of Texas can receive a wide range of financial assistance from grants and tuition aid. The student to faculty ratio at Texas Tech is favorable, with almost 18 students for every faculty member. As a result, if you are seeking more personable help and attention with your studies, we recommend the institution.
Plus, if you make it through the program, you have an 87% chance of passing the bar exam. We like those odds, and we think you will too.
Texas Southern University
- S. News Ranking: Unranked
- Bar Passage Rate:64%
- Acceptance Rate: 56%
- Average LSAT Score: 143
- Average GPA: 11
The Thurgood Marshall School of Law is an ABA-accredited law school that is directly associated with Texas Southern University.
The education provided at the university is of extremely high quality, and one of the foundations of the program is the school library. The TMSL library is so big it spans two separate buildings and houses over 350,000 volumes of literature. “The Natural Jurist” ranked the library 31st out of nearly 200 different law libraries in the nation for resources, material, and special features.
If you plan on spending a good amount of your time in the library, then you need to consider Texas Southern University. 59% of the class of 2017 landed full-time law jobs right after graduation. Texas Southern University also features affordable tuition.
Which School is Right for Me?
All of the law schools we listed in Texas have terrific academic excellence and limitless opportunities. However, choosing the right school for you is not an easy choice with so many worthy considerations.
Our three personal favorites based on performance, acceptance, bar passage rate, and reasonable tuition are:
- University of Texas Austin
- Southern Methodist University
- University of Houston
Baylor University is also worthy based on its high bar passage rate. Texas A&M University, Texas Tech University, and Texas Southern University round out an impressive list of in-state law programs.
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